HUSBAND REMANDED OVER JULIE DEATH
A husband has appeared in court accused of the murder of his primary schoolteacher wife.
Julie Parkin, 39, was discovered with fatal knife woulds at her home in Kirkwall Close, Sunderland, on Tuesday, June 27.
Her husband Adam Parkin appeared at Newcastle Crown Court via video link to Durham Prison yesterday morning charged with her murder.
The 35-year-old is also charged with the attempted murder of another victim.
Parkin, also of Kirkwall Close, Sunderland, was not asked to enter any pleas during the hearing.
The court heard a trial may take place in December.
The Recorder of Newcastle, Judge Paul Sloan QC, told Parkin he will be back in court for a further hearing on October 13.
Parkin, who was wearing a blue short-sleeved shirt and glasses, was remanded in custody.
Mrs Parkin worked at West Boldon Primary School, where earlier this month pupils released balloons in her memory.
As the purple and pink balloons soared into the sky, following a minute’s applause, a group of children could be heard chanting “Mrs Parkin – we love you” in the background.
The touching tribute was held ahead of a football match between Cleadon, Whitburn and Boldon policing team and pupils in memory of the teacher.
Members of Mrs Parkin’s family attended the event.
Her mum Pat Oxley said at the time: “I would like to thank the children and the teachers, it has been a lovely tribute for Julie.
“Some of the children have taken Julie’s death quite bad and I wanted to be here to support them.
“It has been overwhelming the support we have received, from the children, parents, teachers and the community, it has been amazing. It has been such a comfort to us as a family.”
Headteacher Joanne Weightman paid tribute to Mrs Parkin after staff and pupils were left devastated by her death.
She said: “She was a highly valued and respected member of staff who was popular with both pupils and colleagues.”
“She was a highly valued and respected member of staff ” JOANNE WEIGHTMAN